The New York Yankees have struggled offensively with their catchers this season. The AL East franchise optioned catcher J.C. Escarra to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday to shake things up.
The move comes after the Yankees dropped their series opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday. However, the decision surprised fans as Yankees catcher Austin Wells retained his spot despite going through a slump.
“Wells has been terrible all season and Escarra is given the boot. What an embarrassment of an organization.”
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“Ahh yes, let’s let someone else sit on the bench while Austin Wells stinks in up 🙄🤦♀️”
“Need to option Austin Wells to the Dominican Republic.”
“Wells is worse.”
“Incredible and Austin Wells for when they’re going to lower him that he doesn’t bat.”
Before being demoted, Escarra registered 11 hits in 62 at-bats (.177) with a .493 OPS over 22 games. They are calling up Ali Sanchez, who has posted a .227/.327/.375 slashline (.702 OPS) with six home runs and 11 RBI in 128 at-bats in Triple-A.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman expects better production from catchers, infielders
The Yankees have a big hole to fill on the roster after Aaron Judge’s rib injury that is expected to sideline him for more than a month. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman ruled out any addition from outside the organization and expects better offense from his infielders and catchers.
“Hopefully they saved all their bullets for now,” Cashman said. “They’re more than capable. They’re good players and we do believe in them. … Hopefully the best is yet to come from those positions.”
The Yankees GM didn’t rule out using Ben Rice behind the plate to accomodate Giancarlo Stanton.
“It’s something I’ll defer to down the line,” Cashman said. “Rice has been fantastic and is certainly capable of going behind the plate. We’ll kick it around down the line. It’s not something that’s on the radar now.”
Rice, who made 26 starts as a catcher last season, is leading the Yankees’ offense with 18 home runs while batting .305 in his role as a designated hitter. Stanton is expected to take up the DH role after his return from injury.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
